Question 317General Subjects - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is C) 1 hour prior to departure. The "standby" order is typically given approximately 1 hour prior to the vessel's scheduled departure. This allows enough time for the engineering team to prepare the main engines and support systems for getting underway, while not being too far in advance where the systems may need to be kept running unnecessarily. The 1-hour window provides an appropriate balance between preparedness and efficiency. The other options are incorrect because 12 hours (A) is too early, 6 hours (B) is also too early, and 15 minutes (D) is too late to give the engineering team sufficient time to complete all the necessary pre-departure checks and get the vessel ready for sailing.